Penetrating Keratoplasty
Also known as Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant, Cornea Transplant, Corneal Graft, PKP, Keratoplasty Surgery
Bottom Line
Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-thickness cornea transplant. It replaces a round central window of damaged cornea with donor tissue.
Penetrating keratoplasty is full-thickness corneal transplantation. It is used when scarring, thinning, infection damage, or deep disease affects the full cornea 1.
The donor cornea is held with tiny stitches. Those stitches may stay for months while the graft heals.
Layer transplants are now used when only one cornea layer is sick. Full-thickness transplant still matters when the whole cornea is damaged 2.
How It Works
The surgeon removes a round, cloudy part of the cornea. Donor tissue of the same size is sewn into the opening.
The stitches are thinner than hair. They shape the graft while the cornea heals.
Healing is slower than with layer transplants because the whole wall of the cornea must seal.
Who It Helps
This surgery is considered when less invasive choices cannot give useful vision or keep the eye safe.
- Deep cornea scars. Scars can block light.
- Advanced keratoconus. Severe thinning may need a graft.
- Infection damage. Healed ulcers can leave dense scars.
- Repeat graft failure. Some eyes need another full transplant.
Risks And Follow-Up
Risks include rejection, infection, bleeding, wound leak, high eye pressure, cataract, and graft failure.
Because the eye wall is opened full thickness, protection matters. Avoid rubbing or trauma during healing.
Long-term steroid drops may be needed to lower rejection risk.
Cost And Insurance
Medical insurance often covers surgery when cornea disease blocks vision or threatens the eye.
The total bill can include donor tissue, surgery center, anesthesia, surgeon fees, medicine, and contact lens fitting.
Ask whether repeat visits and stitch removal are included in the global surgery period.
Common Questions About Penetrating Keratoplasty
Next Steps
- 1Ask which cornea layers are diseased before choosing surgery.
- 2Treat infection, dryness, or inflammation before the graft when possible.
- 3Plan for frequent visits during the first year.
- 4Wear eye protection during healing and avoid rubbing the eye.
- 5Call the surgeon the same day for redness, pain, light sensitivity, or worse vision.
Find specialists for Penetrating Keratoplasty
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Penetrating Keratoplasty.
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